Research Associate - Chemistry

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• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

This job is based in Australia.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The School of Chemistry teaches more than 2000 undergraduate students each year from many different faculties and offers four different undergraduate programmes leading to majors in chemistry that are taught in five teaching laboratories specialising in First Year, Synthetic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry.

The Research Associate in Analytical Chemistry will focus on the characterisation, synthesis, chemical modification and polymer coating of magnetic nanoparticles for diagnostic and theranostic applications. The project has an emphasis on organic separation, surface analysis of polymer‑coated nanoparticles, by‑product degradation, chromatography and applied research. It is linked to the company Ferronova and funded through an ARC ITTC (ARC Training Centre for Next‑Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis) within the Smart Materials and Surfaces research group in the School of Chemistry and Electron Microscope Unit.

• $113K – $121K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full‑time (35 hours per week)

The role of Research Associate reports to Professor Richard Tilley and has no direct reports.

• Design and analytical chemistry of polymer‑coated nanoparticles for diagnostics using MRI, magnetic particle imaging and therapy with targeting molecules and drug delivery and radio‑therapy.
• Characterise, synthesize and chromatographically separate polymer‑coated magnetic nanoparticles and individual degradation products and reaction products from biological fluids.
• Perform research into the characterisation of magnetic nanoparticles, including surface analysis, modification, transmission electron microscopy and magnetic measurements.
• Write and maintain laboratory notebooks detailing all experiments conducted.
• Complete experiments and provide timely analysis of results.
• Analyse and write results of experiments for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals and progress reporting to other researchers and industry partners.
• Assist in the preparation of research proposal submissions to funding bodies and actively seek collaboration with industry partners.
• Assist with the coordination of research activities and contribute to research outputs to meet project milestones.
• Present results of experiments at national and international conferences.
• Assist in the training of PhD and honours students.
• Align with and demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action:
  Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take reasonable care to ensure your actions/omissions do not impact the health and safety of yourself or others.

(Selection Criteria)

• A PhD specialising in analytical chemistry or chemical synthesis of polymers and nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated ability to characterize polymers and nanoparticles and by‑products.
• Demonstrated experience in material synthesis.
• Previous experience in a research environment and in training PhD and Honours students.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An…